To improve and beautify the environment, Chicago steel manufacturer A. Finkl & Sons has extended its partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and will provide 400,000 tree seedlings annually for the next 10 years, valued at almost $600,000.

A. Finkl & Sons began the partnership with WDNR in 1990 and since has assisted with the planting of more than three million trees.

"A. Finkl & Sons has a responsibility as a steward of the environment – each year, the trees planted convert more than double the amount of carbon dioxide produced by our facilities, into oxygen," said Bruce Liimatainen, A. Finkl & Sons Co. chairman and chief executive officer. "A. Finkl & Sons is deeply committed to improving and beautifying our environment through tree planting and reforestation."

The company launched the "Forging a Fresher America" program in 1989, which has funded the planting of more than six million trees in the Midwest. The program was developed as a means to offset A. Finkl & Sons carbon footprint.

"This generous donation will help ensure that our state forests will continue to offer social, cultural, ecological and economic benefits today and for future generations," said Paul DeLong, Chief State Forester, DNR.